Last week Red Sox manager John Farrell hinted that Will Middlebrooks might stay in the minors for a while even after he was activated from the disabled list, but after posting a 1.094 OPS in five rehab games at Triple-A he’s off the DL and back in Boston’s lineup tonight.

To make room for Middlebrooks on the roster the Red Sox designated Pedro Ciriaco for assignment, cutting him loose after the 27-year-old utility man hit .281 with a .695 OPS in 104 games since the beginning of last season.

Middlebrooks’ return also pushes hot-hitting Jose Iglesias and his .446 batting average to the bench. Middlebrooks hit just .201 with a .642 OPS in 46 games before injuring his lower back.

Is Pedro Ciriaco’s .281/.695 stat line a fluke? Is he a versatile fielder in the sense Bobby Bonilla was “versatile” (Meaning: Can play several positions…poorly)? Or is he versatile in the Martin Prado/Omar Infante sense (Meaning: He’s actually competent with the glove at multiple positions)?

Last I heard Ciriaco had made 7 errors in 120 innings. Iglesias might make seven errors in a couple of seasons. I’m not sure its best for his development but it definitely is best for the team to keep him around. Ciriaco’s lost whatever flukish mojo he had last year and I am sure he passes through waivers unclaimed. If he’s smart he goes to Pawtucket and hopes to get another chance.

If I’m Middlebrooks I better start hitting better than .201. Sorry Will, I think you can be a really good player, but Iglesias has been red hot when he has played and the Sox are winning and the bottom of the order is producing. I like Ciriaco too and I’ll be surprised if he is not gobbled up quickly. The Mets need anybody that can hit at this point. The A’s tend to pick-up guys like this.